APARTMENT LIVING

7 Ways to Save on Your Utilities

by Kelly RoweAugust 20, 2014

Wouldn’t it be great if every rental included all of the utilities in your monthly rent? Talk about stress-free living! We could take 30-minute showers, wash laundry any time we wanted, and keep the temperatures as hot and cold as we’d like. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. Most of us need to keep a close eye on the thermostat setting and how many loads of laundry we’ve done. I’m always happy to find ways to save! Here are seven ways to save on your utilities.

Energy Efficient Bulbs

Most likely one of the easiest ways you can save — energy efficient light bulbs. Each energy efficient bulb used can help save money on your utility bills by using less energy. Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving CFLs, which provide high-quality light output, use 75% less energy, and last 6–10 times longer than standard incandescent light bulbs, saving money on energy bills and replacement costs, according to the US Department of Energy.

Thermostat

When you’re not at home, be sure to turn your thermostat off or keep it warmer/cooler, depending on the season. It’s amazing how much you can save by adjusting your thermostat by one degree.

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However, if at all possible, inquire with the property owner or leasing professional about having a programmable thermostat installed. Set the program around your schedule to save on your heating and cooling bills.

Laundry

Try to avoid doing partial loads of laundry. Washing full loads will lessen the number of loads you’ll have to do. Wash your laundry in cold water whenever possible as well. Purchasing a collapsible drying rack to air-dry clothes is also another great way to save.

Low-Flow Fixture

Install low-flow fixtures in your bathroom and kitchen. By replacing shower heads and faucets with low-flow fixtures, you maximize on your savings (efficiency). Get a low-flow shower head with a shut-off valve. If you’re unable to replace the faucets, there are attachments you can purchase that will work as efficiently.

Buy and use timers to program a custom light schedule for lamps. Adjust the timers when necessary during daylight savings (if applicable).

Window Shades and Coverings

Hang window shades or coverings on windows that might receive direct sunlight throughout the day, particularly windows that face the south. Keep them closed during the day to keep your apartment cooler. In the winter, keep them open to allow the sun to warm up the apartment.

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Unplug Appliances and Electronics

Did you know that even when they are not turned on, appliances and electronics still draw electricity when plugged in? Be sure to unplug appliances and electronics that aren’t used on a regular basis, such as a toaster, blender, stereos, etc. Consider buying a power strip to control multiple electronics and appliances at the same time as well.

Hopefully, these 7 practical ways to save on your home rental’s utilities will help! Do your research, visit with your local utility companies and be sure to talk to the property owner or leasing team about other ways to make your apartment more energy efficient. Here’s to apartment living and saving along the way, friends!

How do save on your utility bills? Be sure to share your tips with ForRent.com.

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Kelly Rowe is an East Coast Girl at heart, who currently lives in St. Louis with her husband and two fur-babies. Author of the creative lifestyle blog, Live Laugh Rowe, she sees her blog as a celebration of life, creativity and food. Kelly can be found in one of three spots around the home — the kitchen whipping up a recipe or two, her shabby chic work room crafting the day away or the garage tinkering with power tools, paint and stains! She has a passion for social media and engaging with her followers. With several magazine features and brand partnerships, she is grateful to be able to do what she loves and inspire others to do the same.
When she’s not creating and blogging, Kelly loves to travel with her husband, talk long walks with her two little dogs, catch up on her ever so full DVR and scour thrift stores/garage sales for future projects.
Visit Live Laugh Rowe

You won’t believe how much energy efficient light bulbs save until you see the bill for yourself! Even if you don’t put them in every room, at least put them in the rooms where lights are on the most and the longest. They pay for themselves in a month.

Programmable thermostats are great for gas or fossil fuel burning furnaces but on a heat pump you may end up losing money. On heat pumps during the winter especially it is hard for a heat pump to keep up without turning on the auxiliary heat strips. Which in turn take much more energy or power to operate. My suggestion is to set the thermostat to one temp and leave it alone. Keep filters clean and pay attention to your equipment. If it’s a heat pump then the outside unit should be running at the same time if not call the manager because you’re going to pay for it.